Senate committees approve study of highway patrol and speed‑camera deployment along major corridors

House Concurrent Resolution 43 (HD1) asking the Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Transportation to study a state highway patrol and the installation of speed cameras on major freeways, including high‑speed corridors such as H‑1, passed committee on April 11, 2025.

Why it matters: The study could inform whether Hawaii moves toward a dedicated highway patrol and automated speed enforcement, and it would examine impacts on district courts, enforcement protocols and public safety.

Testimony and discussion: The Department of Transportation filed written comments and testified in support. Community commenters proposed models used in other countries, citing automated enforcement to reduce court burden; written support came from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and other stakeholders. One senator recorded a “no” on the committee floor during roll call.

Committee action and outcome: Chairs recommended passage as is; the joint committee adopted the recommendation in roll call votes. The transcript records at least one no vote (Senator Descartes recorded as a no in the TCA roll call notation). The study directive will be sent to the named agencies for analysis and reporting.

Next steps: The Departments of Law Enforcement and Transportation must study feasibility, impacts on courts and enforcement, and report findings back to the committees per the resolution’s instructions.

Ending: The committees advanced the study mandate; implementation will depend on departmental analysis and any legislative or budgetary follow‑up.